Tour de Houston
 

Anybody plan on riding in the Tour de Houston this year?

Anybody ride last year? If so, how was it? Crowded?

I rode it last year for the 70 mile route. Firstly I was disappointed with the route chosen. Many of the roads were busy, and not supported at intersections, which were often. I felt as if I spent the whole ride accelerating and decelerating. However Mayor White was there last year, which I felt was nice of him to show up and speak at the beginning. However, no other city council members were there except whichever council member was being investigated for giving out illegal bonuses came and gave some political speech. So other than using a bike ride as a political tool, and a poorly supported route, it was ok.
I am not riding it again this year, mostly due to there are plenty of other charity rides in the area which I am willing to try rather than ride in the Tour de Houston. The tour de cyprus is a pretty good ride, and is only 20 bucks. Just an idea

Think you can hook me with a link to that cypress ride? no success with the google.

Thanks for the feedback. I was thinking about the Tour de Houston, but absolutely hate stopping and starting, especially over a 70 mile distance, so think I will pass on this ride. I'm just sticking to Saturday team rides (currently at 40 miles; will build to 80) and solo rides before the MS150 in late April.

I stand corrected on the Tour de Cypress, the early registration is $25, while late registration is 30. They also changed the course this year, but if last year was an indication this should be a good ride too.

The Tour de Houston is the worst of the MS 150 recommended rides. Most of the roads are busy, unsupported (i.e., no cops), no shoulder, etc.

Most of the recommended rides are in the country and are well supported.

Stay away from this ride.

Steve

BUMP

Anyone ride this today? Weather is fan-tas-tic and I heard they were riding down to Clear Lake. Nice tail wind on the way home, that's for sure.

A coworker rode in it. I'll know more on Monday.

Coming from Pennsylvania, I'm surprised at all the coddling the MS150 riders get on their training rides. Feed stations? Police at every intersection? Sheesh, you people are spoiled. Just get on the bike and ride.

For a 70 miler on Saturday morning, I'd rather save the 30 bucks or whatever and ride with a few friends or even on my own.

I have ridden it all three years of its existence and thoroughly enjoyed them all! I really like the opportunity to ride the city streets and have to disagree on the support. I found the vast majority of the intersections well covered by police, well equipped rest stops and great signage. The start/finish area at city hall is great. You have lush lawn to sit down on to enjoy the complimentary food, beverages and entertainment with your fellow cyclists. I think this is a love or hate ride. I have several acquaintances that do not like it but it is one of my favorite charity events.

Charles.

The streets are free to ride on 365 days a year. I don't mean to knock the nice set-up the MS-150 folks provide, but I seriously get the impression that some people in Texas only get on their bikes once a year to ride the MS-150 and then quit.

It promotes the attitude that you can only ride on public roads with massive fanfare and police support, and that attitude is piss poor for cycling. You wonder why Texas drivers are so aggressive? Maybe it has something to do with the local "cyclists" cowering behind police ******* on the rare occasions that they venture out onto public roads.

You sound like a real tough guy! :rolleyes:

Most of the MS 150 "recommended" rides are charity events, with the money going to a local organization or charity. What's wrong with promoting cycling to the masses through these rides and providing police and SAG support for those that need it.

Unfortunately Houston is a city of many freeways and few streets with true bike paths. I ride every weekend and choose to go outside of Houston where there are fewer cars/trucks and more open roads. I wouldn't say I need a police escort to ride in town, but I much prefer to ride where it is safer.

Where's the police and SAG support for the urbanites who ride bicycles to the grocery store?
How about a feed station and massages waiting for me after my daily commute?

Bicyling isn't a luxury. If you treat it like a freak show, motorists are going to continue to treat you like freaks.

I do not see where you are coming from. When you have thousands of riders crossing a busy intersection at one time, it is very appropriate to have a a traffic cop directing traffic for safety. One cyclist riding to the grocery store does not need this.

And you can have a feed station and message after your commute, just go to the the fridge for your food, and ask your significant other to give you a rub down. Otherwise, pony up and pay the $25-50 to ride in a charity ride and your money will get you these things. Not to mention you will be helping a good cause.

That's the challenge, isn't it? How to get once-a-year rec riders to use bikes as transport. It's certainly do-able, even in Houston, even in the Hummer-stricken suburbs. Folks have nice bikes and cool clothes, but they just don't really think or act like real cyclists. Good god, look at the bike handling skills on MS150!

I think there is a point where the police support gets to be a crunch and a hindrance to people really learning how to be independent, mature road cyclists. The police thing, waving people through intersections, etc., reinforces notions that cyclists don't have to play by the rules, and motorists don't have to treat them like regular road users.

Follow the money... the real reason for these rides is that everyone and their brother wants to sponsor a ride and make money. A big ride can be really lucrative. So they're not going away any time soon!

Wouldn't ever wish for them to go away. Besides, they close downtown streets for the marathon, so "event" style bike rides shouldn't be any different.

I hadn't thought about having to deal with droves of once-a-year freds with questionable bike handling skills, but that's yet another reason for treating charity rides special. With enough encouragement and riding, the non-bikers and bad bikers might come around :)